Martinsville, Texas. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Once known as Martin�s Mill or Martin�s City, the community dates from the 1850s when former Alabaman John Martin, M.D. settled here and started a plantation.

Dr. Martin did indeed build a mill � and when a post office was applied for in 1867, it was rejected due to another community using the name. It was quickly resubmitted as Martinsville, which was accepted. It remained open until 1888. At that time the community reported a mere 40 residents which increased to 200 by 1929.

During the worst of the Great Depression, Martinville supported ten businesses although the population declined by half to 100 residents.

Postwar prosperity closed most of Martinsville�s business although the population remained at 100. It has been designated a �dispersed rural community� with 126 people reported for 1990 and 2000.

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history and vintage/historic photos, please contact us.